Dr. Julie Freedman is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dental Implants.
Q. What are dental implants?
A. Implants are synthetic structures (usually titanium) that are placed in the jaw bone to replace missing tooth/teeth. Implants are anchored to the jawbone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
A.
1- Conservative, no longer have to remove healthy tooth structure of adjacent teeth to fit the bridge.
2- Esthetics are improved as well since the profile coming out of the gumline is better adapted than with a bridge.
3- Hygiene is also much easier since can floss individual teeth better than if joined together by a bridge.
4- Comfort- When used to attach dentures they add stability and retention making the denture much more comfortable to wear.
Q. How long does an implant last?
A. Theoretically they can last a lifetime, they do not get decay/cavities like natural teeth. However they are prone to effects of periodontal disease. If there is bone loss around the implant due to systemic disease or trauma, or more commonly due to poor home care, implants will fail.
Q. What are implants made of?
A. Biocompatible metal such as titanium, now there is the advent of ceramic materials as well for improved cosmetics.
Q. Who is a candidate for implants?
A. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Age is not a limiting factor.
Q. How are dental implants placed?
A. Usually local anesthesia is sufficient unless anxiety is too great. The surgeon uses a series of rotary instruments to prepare the implant site, and it is tapped into place
Q. How long does it take?
A. Depending on the density of the patients bone and the location and mumber of implants placed, some patients can have it surgically placed and walk out the same day with a tooth/teeth. Usually however osseointegration (the implant integration into the jawbone) can take apporx 3-6 months, before the final restoration ideally should be delivered.
Q. How to contact Dr. Freedman if we have further questions?
A.
10978 Pembroke Road
Miramar, Florida 33025
Phone: (954) 438-3803
Email: drfreedman@freedmanfamilydental.com
Website: http://www.freedmanfamilydental.com
